Photoionizing and Electrophoretic Oxygen Distiller

To address the need for a portable oxygen generator for battlefield medical use, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Photoionization and Electrophoretic Oxygen Distiller (PEOD) system based on selective photo-induced ionization of atmospheric oxygen and its separation in an electric field. This lightweight system will generate 4 L/min. of high-purity oxygen for combat casualty care without the need for logistic supplies. Weighing less than seven pounds in a 15 in. x 4 in. x 8 in. rugged package and with power consumption of less than 100 W, this system is compatible with the LSTAT-lite life support system under development by DARPA. Enriched oxygen is delivered to the patient via a breathing mask to minimize oxygen loss. Electrical energy recovery from the photoionization process combined with operation at ambient temperature and pressure results in a safe system with wall-plug efficiency greater than 75%; a factor of four better than the state-of-the-art. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of PEOD by assembling a proof-of-concept prototype and testing it in the laboratory. In Phase II we plan to develop an advanced miniaturized and ruggedized stand-alone prototype and demonstrate its performance in realistic field settings.